Entries Tagged 'Church' ↓

In reading a letter that Jonathan Edwards wrote to Rev. Dr. Benjamin Colman, I came across an interesting passage, in which Edwards writes about the new converts in his church and their affection for the Lord’s Day. I found the whole section to be challenging as these people were characterized by a genuine love of divine things, but this quotation was especially in light of [a recent sermon](http://www.one28ministries.org/2007/09/16/the-lords-day-pt-1/) I heard.

>The preaching of the Word is greatly prized by them; they say they never heard preaching before: and so are God’s Sabbaths, and ordinances, and opportunities of public worship. The Sabbath is longed for before it comes; some by only hearing the bell ring on some occasion in the week time, have been greatly moved, because it has put them in mind of its ringing to call the people together to worship God. But no part of public worship has commonly had such an effect on them as singing God’s praises. They have a greater respect to ministers than they used to have; there is scarcely a minister preaches here but gets their esteem and affection.

I exhort us to catch a little bit of the flame that burned so strong with our 18th century brethren. Love the Lord, His people, and His day.

My good friend and fellow Slight blogger, [Cliff Ames](http://www.talesfromtheyellowbrickroad.com/blog/), has [recently posted](http://talesfromtheyellowbrickroad.com/blog/2007/09/10/tmc-journal-fall-07-part-3/trackback/) on differences in the churches that he attends - Copperhill Community (Sun. morning) & Grace Community (Sun. evening). He made an interesting comment about the service at Grace.

Those in leadership at Grace have decided to change the lyrics in some of the songs that they sing. I don’t know their reasoning for it, but it happens ever so often. Recently, we have sung Chris Tomlin’s *Holy Is The Lord* a couple of times. In this song, they have altered the first line:

Original version: *We stand and lift up our hands . . .*

Altered version: *We stand and offer our praise . . .*

I have definitely chuckled to myself each time we have sung those lines because it’s funny how much that reflects the tone at Grace. I don’t think it is wrong to change the lyrics, as long as the new lyrics are not heretical. And that is where I think this issue should rise or fall - whether or not the original lyrics and the new lyrics are biblical.

I would have trouble believing that the music staff changed the lyrics because they thought that lifting up your hands was wrong and against Scripture. In fact if that was the case, I would stand on the other side of the line because Scripture no where forbids raising hands. But I also agree that the new lyrics do not contradict the Bible and thus I am just as happy to sing it. My guess is that they wanted to steer away from encouraging that in the service.

While singing in church, my responsibility is to watch over my heart with diligence to see that I am giving the Lord all the worship that I can, no matter how they have changed song.

[Thanks Cliff for the update!]

Todd, one of my professors over here at IBEX has a blog, which you can find [here](www.toddbolen.com). Recently he post about an article written by Bob Kauflin, a worship leader on the east coast and a writer for many Sovereign Grace songs. I went Bob’s blog, entitled Worship Matters, and found some really insightful thoughts about worship and how it is supposed to look in the church today. Today’s post is about holding those who lead worship to higher standards because of the position that they are in.

Serving in the church of Jesus Christ is always a privilege. “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Mt. 23:11) While there are many ways to serve “behind the scenes” in the church, the music team isn’t one of them. For that reason, I think holding musicians to higher personal standards is wise for at least two reasons.

First, the maturity of those on the team affects the church. Throughout Scripture, those who lead are held to a stricter standard for character (Titus 1:5-9, 1 Tim. 3:2-12, James 3:1). Whether someone is actually speaking or not, their presence in front of the congregation week after week implies that their life is worthy of emulation – not perfect, but showing evidences of the Gospel’s fruit in their lives. Our heart for God’s glory should be seen not only when we sing on Sundays, but in the way we relate to our spouse, children, friends, and others. Otherwise it’s easy for the church to think worship is more about singing than the way we live. If a leader learns that one of the musicians is living in unrepentant sin, they should either speak to them personally, or ask a pastor to get involved. If there’s no change, the member should be taken off the team, and helped in the process of Gospel-motivated sanctification. The goal is not simply keeping the team “pure,” but helping every member of the church grow into maturity in Christ.

Second, members of the team affect other members. If one of your musicians is given making divisive comments, or often complains, or engages in self-promotion, it will weaken the unity of the group. I remember trying to keep a guitar player on the team who consistently struggled with receiving correction and wanting to be used more. Rehearsals were a challenge, and we had numerous painful conversations. In hindsight, it would have served him and the other musicians if I had taken him off the team until his heart was in a better place. It’s wise to make standards and expectations for heart and behavior clear before someone joins the team. When I first came to my current church eight years ago, I took time to set clear standards for participation. We revisit that every few years for the sake of new members who have been added. It’s always easier to remind someone of what you’ve already told them, than to think they’ll adhere to unspoken expectations.

This is in response to a blog by SKH: http://www.one28ministries.org/home/weblog/blog.html

This topic is something that I can speak on from experience. I remember being caught in the middle of junior high and high school and thinking that it would never end. But let me tell you, it does end, and quickly.
I am now in college, experiencing completely new things, but one of the things that I could have done better is get more involved in a small group. I went to many of the meetings, but I didn’t really get involved in the lives of others. Life-changing accountability does happen in once a week basketball, food, and “tell whats been going on”. Get involved in the life of those weaker than you. Be discipled by someone. Ask you small group leader for guidance and accountability. There is so much that can be gained from the one-on-one experience that it cannot be calculated in words.
Seniors and Juniors, this really applies to you, not only do you have only 1-2 years left, but you have many younger students in the ministry who are starved for older influence. Take advantage of the Bible-saturated atmosphere that you live in.

Be involved in small groups for God’s glory.